乡镇党委书记心得体会

硬汉的温柔

LONDON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- As the curtain dropped on the G20 London summit, Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming on Friday reiterated China's opposition to protectionism and voiced support for cooperation.     "This summit has yielded a series of positive and pragmatic results for the international society to jointly tackle the current financial crisis," Chen said.     He said it included reaching broad consensus on stabilizing international financial markets, speeding up reform of the international financial system, actively pushing forward the Doha round talks, and opposing trade protectionism.     Chen said history and experiences have proved that protectionism will only drag the world economy into deeper recession. As the crisis is worsening, people have increasingly realized the necessity and urgency to reject protectionism, he said.     Chinese President Hu Jintao pointed out at the G20 summit that facing the impact of the international financial crisis, China will continue to stick to its opening-up and reform policy, and unswervingly adopt the mutually-beneficial and win-win strategy.     China will not turn to protectionism just because it is encountering some temporary difficulties during the process of economic development, he said.     What the world needs now, Chen said, is to adopt economic stimulus plans to jointly overcome the difficulties and to recover economies. At this critical time, people must be especially cautious about protectionism, preventing it from sabotaging all the efforts that the world has done so far, he said.     "China will act responsibly, seriously implement the agreements reached at the G20 summit, in efforts to push forward the world economy, as well promote the development of international trade," Chen said.     He proposed that the international community jointly maintain a fair and open international trade environment, protect the authority and seriousness of multilateral trade regulations, actively push forward the Doha round talks, and jointly resist protectionism.     Chen noted that despite all the anti-protectionism claims by many countries, protectionist measures are in fact making inroads since the outbreak of the financial crisis.     China supports the G20 agreement to extend the ban on protectionism until the end of 2010, however, it remains difficult to define protectionism and unreasonable trade restriction measures, Chen said.     All measures not allowed by the WTO are considered protectionist, and therefore should not be allowed to be implemented, he said.     Chen also raised concerns over the possible misuse of some measures permitted by the WTO, such as trade subsidy, and urged restraint.     The WTO members should try not to use, or use with discretion protectionist policies, so as to create a sound climate for promoting free trade, he said.     Currently, the WTO has established a monitoring mechanism, with periodical reports on its members' actions, a move conducive to curbing protectionism, Chen said.     Protectionism is on the rise since the crisis, but it still falls short of being rampant, which indicates the global multilateral trade rules remain effective to some extent, he said.     China supports the establishment of such a WTO supervision mechanism, he said.     China has firmly reiterated its opposition to protectionism, Chen said, noting that China's measures taken since the crisis are considered positive by both WTO Director General Pascal Lamy and EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.     China's economic stimulus measures complied with the WTO rules, he said.     Chen also said the Doha round trade talks are of great significance in promoting the development of the multilateral trade system and a successful deal would strongly promote global economic growth.     History over the past century has proved that trade grows faster than economy, and it is trade that pushes forward economic growth, he said.     Chen urged flexibility by major countries to push forward the Doha negotiations.     "With joint efforts by various parties, we remain optimistic about the outcome of the Doha round talks," he said.

BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said Wednesday the central government had great confidence in continued prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR).     Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when greeting with a delegation of social workers from Hong Kong headed by Mrs. Betty Tung, wife of the SAR's former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.     Mrs. Betty Tung set up the organization in 1998, mobilizing volunteers to help needy youth and women.     Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed the visit of the delegation and praised its contribution to the region's prosperity and stability.     He said, "China has confidence and the ability in overcoming the global financial downturn, which brought us challenges and opportunities as well."     The mainland will always be a strong supporter of the Hong Kong SAR.

BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia on Tuesday signed seven agreements on a package cooperation program for energy resources.     The agreements include a pipeline construction project, a long-term crude oil trading deal and a financing scheme between the China Development Bank and the Russia Oil Pipeline Transport Company, according to a source with the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, China, on Feb. 17, 2009According to the agreements, the crude oil trading volume is estimated to reach 15 million tonnes, the source added.     The signing ceremony was witnessed by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin.     During the previous talks held between the two, Wang highlighted that the strengthening of the bilateral energy cooperation between the two sides would help stabilize the two economies.     "We hope the two sides will give a full play to the bilateral energy negotiation mechanism to promote the bilateral energy cooperation to score substantial outcomes," Wang told Sechin.     The Russian deputy prime minister agreed with Wang's views, calling on the two countries to step up cooperation in such fields as energy and finance and make joint efforts to guarantee the contracted projects be implemented according to the agreed roadmap and schedule.     The two sides also agreed that the bilateral energy cooperation already scored a "substantial step forward." Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (R) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Igor Sechin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2009. Senior Chinese and Russian officials headed by Wang and Sechin held a high-level energy negotiators' meeting here on Tuesday.In a following meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Sechin said that the achievements of this visit indicated the high level of the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation.     Russia would work with China to make more achievements to celebrate this year's 60th anniversary of forging diplomatic ties, Sechin said.     Wen said the agreements are fruits of friendly and strategic cooperation between the two countries, adding the cooperation is of high significance for the two countries to work together to cope with the international financial crisis and advance their relations.     The energy cooperation between the two nations is long-term, comprehensive and sustainable, Wen said, hoping that the related organs would act promptly to implement all the agreements.     Official statistics showed that Russian-Chinese bilateral trade posted a rapid growth in the first half of last year but slowed in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, as the global economic turmoil spread.     Trade between the two countries was valued at 56.8 billion U.S. dollars last year, up 18 percent year-on-year. It was sharply down from 44.3 percent of growth rate in 2007, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.     Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew only 5.6 percent year-on-year in 2008 because of the financial crisis and drastic decline in income from oil exports. The growth rate was 2.5 percentage points lower than a year-earlier level.

晋中网站排名优化

HANGZHOU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Although the world financial crisis has cast a big shadow on China's prosperous eastern coastal regions, companies in these areas are very likely to see the first gleam of economic recovery in 2009, according to experts.     Entrepreneurs said their confidence stems mainly from the enlarging domestic markets and increasing demand, which are backed by the government's powerful stimulus package and a series of favorable policies.          POSITIVE SIGNS EMERGE     Just two months ago, more than 60,000 businessmen in the eastern Zhejiang's Yiwu small ware town -- the world's largest small commodities market -- were tasting bitterness, as they faced declining foreign demand and fewer orders resulting from the global economic downturn.     However, the turning point came after the country's traditional Lunar New Year holiday in late January. On the first trading day after the holiday, the commodity hub witnessed 165,000 customers, representing an increase of 10 percent over the same day last year, and the businessmen there were expecting more customers.     Compared with the stagnancy of last year, the market regained its vigor as most of the trade dealers came to find business opportunities and increase their orders for commodities.     Zhejiang's neighboring Jiangsu Province saw electric consumption surge. It used 443 million kwh of electricity on the first day of February. The figure rose sharply to 680 million kwh nine days later, indicating booming industrial production.     DOMESTIC MARKET EXPANDED     Confidence of businessmen in Zhejiang's Haining City was also bolstered by booming economic activities and increasing demands from domestic markets. The city is famous for leather industry.     "Currently, we are not as worried as we were last year when the economic turmoil spread to every corner of the markets. I am really glad to see that my goods are still welcomed," said Zha Jialin, vice general manager of Haining Leather Town Co.     Ye Xuekang, general manager of Haining Jinda New Material Co., also expressed his optimism, saying the company is under normal operation and products orders from domestic customers saw obvious increase.     "Some of the production lines have to operate for a full 24 hours to meet the demands," Ye said.     "It was the move to shift export destinations from overseas markets to domestic ones that helped us. Although various negative factors including surging prices of crude materials and currency fluctuation have almost strangled the company, the orders from new markets greatly offset the losses in foreign markets," he said.     Economists noted that the government's efforts in adding investments, expanding vast domestic markets and increasing consumption are the biggest contributions to the country's economic recovery.     In September, the government presented a four-trillion-yuan (about 586 billion U.S. dollars) stimulus plan as part of its efforts to cope with the financial crisis.     Adding to the plan were ten industrial revival policies, which were expected to provide several pillar sectors with fund support, tax breaks and other favorable policies. Automobile, shipment and textile industries were among those that befitted.          PRUDENT OPTIMISM TOWARD THE RECOVERY     Zhuang Jian, a senior economist with the Asia Development Bank, told Xinhua, "The country's economy will gradually recover. However, the process may vary largely from one region to another, depending on economic development degree, enterprise's anti-risk ability, and fortune capacity in different areas."     Zhang Hanya, deputy chairman of the Investment Association of China, echoed Zhuang, saying that compared with central and western areas, enterprises and local governments in eastern regions can do a better job.     Zhang described their advantage as "natural abilities" -- the coastal areas in eastern China have long been served as the battlefront or the pioneers of the country's economic reforms.     "As for the local governments in eastern areas, flexible policies, sufficient capital reserves and fiscal support are the musts to guarantee economic development," he said.     Take Shanghai, another important economic engine of China, for example. The city's new Pudong area's car sales rose 15.8 percent in January over the same period last year thanks to a quick respond to the central government's automobile revival plan.     However, experts warned against blind optimism about economic recovery, as the global economic situation is still complex and changeable.     Zheng Yumin, head of Zhejiang Industrial and Commercial Administration, warned enterprises to cope with the "second-wave" of crisis attack, noting exports were still experiencing a tough time, trade-protectionism sentiments in some countries may make the situation even worse.     "After all, we should keep alert," he said.

BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The recent visits by Chinese leaders to 15 countries and the European Union (EU) have proved extremely fruitful, promoting China's traditional friendship with them and boosting people's confidence regarding the future amid the ongoing global financial crisis. Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping paid visits to several countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America during the first month of the Chinese lunar year, which lasts from Jan. 26 to Feb. 24. Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao addresses a welcoming rally attended by people from various sectors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 16, 2009    Their tours were warmly welcomed and highly praised by governments and media of the countries visited by the Chinese leaders.     Meanwhile, China and the United States carried out their maiden communication after U.S. President Barack Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009. The talks were constructive and expected to boost bilateral ties and help tackle global challenges.     Chinese President Hu carried out state visits to Saudi Arabia, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius from Feb. 10 to 17. Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) talks with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz during their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2009During the visits, Hu comprehensively expressed China's views and stances on ways to deal with the financial crisis, emphasizing that the international community should take note of, and make all efforts to reduce, the crisis' impact on developing countries, especially those lowest on the development ladder.     He also said China would like to strengthen cooperation and take coordinated action with developing countries and the entire world community to meet current challenges.     The president reached a broad consensus with African leaders on the means to further boost bilateral cooperation, steadfastly implement measures to aid Africa made at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November 2006 and deepen the new China-Africa strategic partnership.     Hu made a six-fold proposal to develop China-Africa ties under the current situation, saying the Chinese have always cherished their traditional friendship with Africa and regard Africans as all-weather, trustworthy and dependable friends, and would like to be the African people's brothers and partners for ever.     The leaders of Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius said Africa-China ties are a prime example of friendly cooperation among nations, adding that Africa is willing to promote cooperation with China and boost bilateral ties.

BOAO, Hainan, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Much has been talked about signs of recovery in Chinese economy, but little is certain about long-awaited rebound.     Discussing the latest development of Chinese economy at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), worldwide officials, business executives and professionals remained prudent about China's 8-percent gross domestic product (GDP) target in 2009, but mentioned some favorable changes in the country's economy.     Bob Hawke, former prime minister of Australia, forecast China's GDP growth between 7 percent to 8 percent. In the meantime, he believed a reversal had come.     "The four-trillion-yuan stimulus (package) is now beginning to work, and China's economy ... has reached the bottom and started to come up now," Hawke told Xinhua at the forum.     Increasing stress of sluggish exports, dampened employment and shrinking corporate profits have pulled down the Chinese economy to a growth of 6.8 percent in the fourth quarter last year.     A favorable trend might be forming in the first quarter of this year. Ding Lei, president of Shanghai General Motors Corporation Ltd., observed increasing domestic demand for motor vehicles.     "Our automobile exports remain low, but auto sales gained 12.9 percent in the first quarter compared with the fourth quarter last year," Ding said.     "China's policy package to boost automobile industry has effectively activated domestic market, and boosted the confidence of companies," Ding said.     John Cleland, chief executive officer of WestNet Infrastructure Group that has resources products trade with China, also noticed "some increase in demand".     "It's very hard to say, but there are signs of recovery of (China's demand for resources products)," he told Xinhua.     "Stockpiles of iron ore and steel in China have been reducing, so hopefully some projects that were put on hold have come back in the line," he said.     "China will come through (the crisis) quickly. Resource demand will recover. The demand for iron ore and basic commodities will recover quicker than consumer economies," he said.     Stable growth can also be expected in infrastructure. As China builds its nationwide mobile network, considerable and stable job opportunities can be created, said Per-Olof Bjork, general manager of Greater China Affairs of Ericsson Group Headquarters.     However, the changes are mainly felt in industries covered in the government's stimulus package, and China might need to go through a more painstaking path to ensure healthy and stable economic growth.     Chinese economy has shown more optimistic signals in the first quarter, but there are many uncertainties, said Chris Morley, managing director of Nielson China.     One uncertainty is the grim global economic climate. The U.S. and European economies are struggling in the crisis, which means China has to seek more internal growth to make up for the loss in exports.     The first quarter continued to see a slash in exports, which declined 19.7 percent year on year. Exports used to be one of three major sectors driving the Chinese economy, but it contributed negative 0.2 percent to the country's economic growth in the quarter.     Existing problems made it more difficult for Chinese economy to stay away from the impact of global crisis.     Yao Gang, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, commented that China's economy is facing a key era that calls for upgrading in development pattern and adjustment of structure.     China's mission is not only to maintain stable economic growth, but also handle excess industrial production capacity, expand domestic consumption and reduce income gap, all of which demand sophisticated policies and persistent efforts from the government, Yao said at the BFA annual conference.     On April 15, China's Cabinet, the State Council, urged faster implementation of the two batches of government investment, and kicked off the third batch.     "Only approximately 30 percent of the scheduled investment has been injected into the Chinese economy," said Edgar Hotard, board chairman of Monitor Group (China). "If the rest 70 percent were also put into the economy, it would bring further growth."     Rolf D. Cremer, dean of China Europe International Business School, said China reacted more swiftly and decisively than expected, maintaining a relatively stable growth rate, which allowed more room for adjustment and reform.     Chinese economy was still on the growing path, with industrialization and urbanization acting as the two major growth engines, said Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the BFA.     "I have always believed that Chinese economy will stop its sliding trend in a comparatively short time and return on the track of stable and rapid development," he said.

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HANGZHOU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Although the world financial crisis has cast a big shadow on China's prosperous eastern coastal regions, companies in these areas are very likely to see the first gleam of economic recovery in 2009, according to experts.     Entrepreneurs said their confidence stems mainly from the enlarging domestic markets and increasing demand, which are backed by the government's powerful stimulus package and a series of favorable policies.          POSITIVE SIGNS EMERGE     Just two months ago, more than 60,000 businessmen in the eastern Zhejiang's Yiwu small ware town -- the world's largest small commodities market -- were tasting bitterness, as they faced declining foreign demand and fewer orders resulting from the global economic downturn.     However, the turning point came after the country's traditional Lunar New Year holiday in late January. On the first trading day after the holiday, the commodity hub witnessed 165,000 customers, representing an increase of 10 percent over the same day last year, and the businessmen there were expecting more customers.     Compared with the stagnancy of last year, the market regained its vigor as most of the trade dealers came to find business opportunities and increase their orders for commodities.     Zhejiang's neighboring Jiangsu Province saw electric consumption surge. It used 443 million kwh of electricity on the first day of February. The figure rose sharply to 680 million kwh nine days later, indicating booming industrial production.     DOMESTIC MARKET EXPANDED     Confidence of businessmen in Zhejiang's Haining City was also bolstered by booming economic activities and increasing demands from domestic markets. The city is famous for leather industry.     "Currently, we are not as worried as we were last year when the economic turmoil spread to every corner of the markets. I am really glad to see that my goods are still welcomed," said Zha Jialin, vice general manager of Haining Leather Town Co.     Ye Xuekang, general manager of Haining Jinda New Material Co., also expressed his optimism, saying the company is under normal operation and products orders from domestic customers saw obvious increase.     "Some of the production lines have to operate for a full 24 hours to meet the demands," Ye said.     "It was the move to shift export destinations from overseas markets to domestic ones that helped us. Although various negative factors including surging prices of crude materials and currency fluctuation have almost strangled the company, the orders from new markets greatly offset the losses in foreign markets," he said.     Economists noted that the government's efforts in adding investments, expanding vast domestic markets and increasing consumption are the biggest contributions to the country's economic recovery.     In September, the government presented a four-trillion-yuan (about 586 billion U.S. dollars) stimulus plan as part of its efforts to cope with the financial crisis.     Adding to the plan were ten industrial revival policies, which were expected to provide several pillar sectors with fund support, tax breaks and other favorable policies. Automobile, shipment and textile industries were among those that befitted.          PRUDENT OPTIMISM TOWARD THE RECOVERY     Zhuang Jian, a senior economist with the Asia Development Bank, told Xinhua, "The country's economy will gradually recover. However, the process may vary largely from one region to another, depending on economic development degree, enterprise's anti-risk ability, and fortune capacity in different areas."     Zhang Hanya, deputy chairman of the Investment Association of China, echoed Zhuang, saying that compared with central and western areas, enterprises and local governments in eastern regions can do a better job.     Zhang described their advantage as "natural abilities" -- the coastal areas in eastern China have long been served as the battlefront or the pioneers of the country's economic reforms.     "As for the local governments in eastern areas, flexible policies, sufficient capital reserves and fiscal support are the musts to guarantee economic development," he said.     Take Shanghai, another important economic engine of China, for example. The city's new Pudong area's car sales rose 15.8 percent in January over the same period last year thanks to a quick respond to the central government's automobile revival plan.     However, experts warned against blind optimism about economic recovery, as the global economic situation is still complex and changeable.     Zheng Yumin, head of Zhejiang Industrial and Commercial Administration, warned enterprises to cope with the "second-wave" of crisis attack, noting exports were still experiencing a tough time, trade-protectionism sentiments in some countries may make the situation even worse.     "After all, we should keep alert," he said.

TAIPEI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan authorities has temporarily raised the daily quota of mainland tourists from 3,000 to 7,200, to cope with the increasing number of travelers.     Tse Lap-kong, a Taiwanese official, said the temporary adjustment was meant to cope with the surge of tourist numbers in the coming two weeks, a travel peak season for mainlanders.     It is estimated that more than 30,000 mainland tourists could arrive in Taiwan in the coming week, with a daily average of 4,100.     Daily mainland tourist arrivals were less than 3,000 in the first few months since Taiwan was opened to them as a destination last July, and the temporary change would use the unfulfilled quota from that period, Tse said.     The daily quota would remain at 3,000 on a yearly average, he said.     Taiwan authorities might also extend the allowed period for visiting mainland businessmen and professionals, with a final decision in late April, local media reported.     Business trips would be extended from a maximum of two weeks to one month, and visiting businessmen and experts would be allowed an additional five days based on their travel schedule, according to the reports.     Industrial and commercial organizations with an annual turnover of more than 30 million New Taiwan dollars (883,260 U.S. dollars) would have the number of invited mainlanders increased from 50 to 200, while the number for those below 30 million New Taiwan dollars would rise to 45 from 15, said the reports.     Local authorities were also planning to shorten the approval time for applications of mainland businessmen from one month to two weeks.     More than 174,000 Chinese mainland tourists visited Taiwan from July last year till early April, according to mainland statistics.     The daily number of mainland visitors to the island on organized trips reached about 3,000 at the end of March, he said, adding that the number soared to more than 4,000 on April 7.     The Chinese mainland and Taiwan agreed to allow mainland touri

seo优化哪些

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the Report on the Work of the Government delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao at the Second Session of the Eleventh National People's Congress on March 5, 2009 and adopted on March 13, 2009:          REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT     Delivered at the Second Session of the Eleventh National People's Congress on March 5, 2009          Wen Jiabao     Premier of the State Council     Fellow Deputies,     On behalf of the State Council, I now present to you my report on the work of the government for your deliberation and approval. I also solicit comments and suggestions on the report from the members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).          I. Review of the Work in 2008     The year 2008 was truly eventful. Our country's economic and social development withstood severe challenges and tests that were rarely seen before. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the people of all our ethnic groups faced difficulties squarely, worked with courage and determination, surmounted all difficulties and obstacles, and made new achievements in reform, opening up and socialist modernization.     - The national economy continued to maintain steady and rapid growth. GDP topped 30 trillion yuan, an increase of 9% over the previous year. Overall price rises were held in check. Government revenue was 6.13 trillion yuan, an increase of 19.5%. Grain output rose for the fifth consecutive year and totaled 528.5 million tons, a record high.     - Reform and opening up were further deepened. New breakthroughs were made in reforms in key areas and crucial links, such as the fiscal, taxation, financial and pricing systems and administration. Imports and exports totaled US$ 2.56 trillion, an increase of 17.8%. Paid-in foreign direct investment reached .4billion.     - Development of social programs was accelerated, and the living standards of the people continued to rise. A total of 11.13million more urban residents entered the workforce. Urban per capita annual disposable income reached 15,781 yuan, an increase of 8.4% in real terms, and rural per capita net income reached 4,761 yuan, up by 8% in real terms.     - Great victories were won in the fight against massive natural disasters. The Beijing Olympics and Paralympics were held successfully, and the Shenzhou VII manned space mission was a complete success.     These achievements signify that we have taken new and solid steps along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. They have greatly fortified the courage and strength of the people of all our ethnic groups to surmount difficulties and will definitely encourage us to bravely forge ahead on the new historical course.     Last year, we accomplished the following important work:     1. Making timely and resolute adjustments to macroeconomic policies and doing everything possible to maintain steady and rapid economic development     We maintained the right direction, focus, intensity and pace of macro control, and adopted a series of policies and measures to promote steady and rapid economic development. In a complex and volatile situation, we actively responded to the severe impact of the global financial crisis and worked hard to make our macro control more proactive, targeted and effective. In the middle of the year, when energy and grain prices on the international market were high, world economic growth slowed, and exports from and economic growth in China's coastal regions began to decline, we promptly shifted the priority of macro control to maintaining steady and rapid economic development and controlling price hikes, and adopted relevant fiscal, taxation and financial measures. In September, the international economic situation started to deteriorate sharply and its negative impact became increasingly felt in China. We again resolutely shifted the focus of macro control to preventing economic growth from slowing down too quickly. We implemented a proactive fiscal policy and a moderately easy monetary policy. We raised export rebate rates three times, lowered the benchmark interest rates on savings and loans for financial institutions on five occasions, reduced required reserve ratios four times, suspended the individual income tax on interest earnings from savings, reduced securities transaction stamp tax rates, cut taxes and fees on housing transactions, and increased credit support to small and medium-sized enterprises. In accordance with the requirement that we act fast, be forceful, take targeted measures and stress implementation, we promptly introduced ten measures to further boost domestic demand and promote economic growth, and implemented them without delay. We adopted a succession of policies and measures to encourage financial institutions to support economic development, promote sound development of the textile and other light industries and the real estate market, expand consumption by improving distribution, maintain steady growth in foreign trade, and keep the employment situation stable. At the same time, we stepped up efforts to formulate plans for restructuring and revitalizing key industries. Together, these measures have played a crucial role in alleviating serious problems affecting economic performance, enhancing confidence, stabilizing expectations and maintaining steady and rapid economic development.     We continued to strengthen our work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers without any letup. Central government budgetary spending on agriculture, rural areas and farmers was 595.5 billion yuan for the whole year, a year-on-year increase of 163.7 billion yuan or 37.9%. This included 103 billion yuan, twice the figure for the previous year, in direct subsidies to grain producers, general subsidies for agricultural production supplies, and subsidies for superior crop varieties and the purchase of agricultural machinery and tools. We significantly raised minimum grain purchase prices three times, with the total increase exceeding 20%. We implemented a temporary policy for purchasing and stockpiling major agricultural products. We intensified the protection of arable land and the construction of agricultural water conservancy projects, and increased overall agricultural production capacity. We supported the production of hogs, oilseeds and dairy products. These policies and measures played an important role in maintaining and stimulating the enthusiasm of farmers, ensuring the supply of major farm products and increasing rural incomes, and provided strong support for maintaining overall stability in economic and social development.     We unswervingly promoted independent innovation and economic restructuring. We launched 16 major national science and technology projects, and established a number of new national engineering centers, key laboratories and enterprise technology centers in such fields as information technology, biotechnology and environmental protection. We successfully developed a number of key technologies and major equipment in the areas of regional aircraft, automobiles powered by new energy sources and high-speed railways. The central government invested 116.3 billion yuan in science and technology, an increase of 16.4%. Significant steps were taken in reorganization of the telecommunications and civil aviation industries. We continued to eliminate backward production facilities. Last year, we shut down small thermal power plants with a total capacity of 16.69 million kilowatts and closed 1,054 small coalmines. Investment in infrastructure and basic industries was increased, and a number of major projects in energy, transportation and water conservancy were completed or launched. Steady progress was made in implementing the master strategy for regional development, and economic development in different regions became better coordinated.     We steadfastly promoted energy conservation, emissions reduction and ecological and environmental protection. The central government allocated 42.3 billion yuan to support development of ten key energy conservation projects and environmental protection facilities. The daily sewage treatment capacity rose by an additional 11.49 million tons in urban areas, and desulfurization equipment was installed in coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 97.12 million kilowatts. Energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 4.59% from the previous year; chemical oxygen demand fell by 4.42%; and sulfur dioxide emissions fell by 5.95%. For the past three years combined, total energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped by 10.08%; chemical oxygen demand dropped by 6.61%; and sulfur dioxide emissions dropped by 8.95%. We built on the achievements in returning farmland to forests and restoring livestock pastures to grasslands, and carried out ecological conservation projects such as protecting virgin forests and developing the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve in Qinghai Province. We implemented the plan to prevent and control water pollution in major river valleys and regions and issued the white paper China's Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change.     2. Balancing economic and social development and strengthening all aspects of social development with the focus on improving people's lives     Efforts were intensified to increase employment and improve the social safety net. We improved our policy to stimulate and expand employment by encouraging business startups, and enforced the minimum wage system. The coverage of all social security schemes continued to expand, with 17.53 million more urban workers subscribing to basic old-age insurance, 20.28 million more subscribing to basic medical insurance, and the unemployment, workers' compensation and maternity insurance steadily expanding to cover more workers. Pensions of enterprise retirees rose by 110 yuan per month per person. We launched trials to reform the basic old-age insurance system for employees of government-affiliated institutions. We actively explored ways to establish a new system of old-age insurance for rural residents and made steady progress in making social security available to rural migrant workers in urban areas and farmers whose land has been expropriated. We comprehensively improved the system of cost of living allowances for both urban and rural residents, and provided allowances to 66.19 million residents. We raised living allowances for low-income groups and university students in a timely fashion. Preferential treatment enjoyed by key entitled groups was increased substantially. We intensified efforts to develop low-income housing and renovate shantytowns, thus alleviating some of the housing difficulties of the low-income population. An additional of more than 48 million rural people gained access to safe drinking water.     Further progress was made in promoting fair education for all. Free compulsory education became available to all students, urban or rural, throughout the country, and all rural students receiving compulsory education obtained free textbooks. The standards for repairing and renovating school buildings in the central and western regions were raised, and the government allocated 3.25 billion yuan to provide heating to rural primary and secondary schools in the north. Development of vocational education was accelerated. The national financial aid system for students was further improved. The central government spent 22.3 billion yuan and local governments increased funding as well to assist more than 20 million students. Grants of 1,500 yuan per student per annum were given to secondary vocational school students from rural areas or needy urban families, benefiting 90% of the current student population in these vocational schools.     Steady progress was made in reform and development of the pharmaceutical and health care system. A total of 814 million people, accounting for 91.5% of the rural population, now benefit from the new type of rural cooperative medical care system. The number of selected cities participating in trials of the basic medical insurance system for urban residents increased from 88 to 317, and the number of participating individuals increased by 73.59 million to 117 million. Significant progress was made in developing a system of community-based health services in urban areas. We continued to expand the coverage of the reward and assistance system for rural families complying with family planning regulations, and implemented the "lower birthrate equals faster prosperity" program in more places in the countryside.     We accelerated the development of culture and sports. Public cultural infrastructure facilities were improved, the cultural industries developed rapidly, and reform of the cultural management system was constantly deepened. We mobilized all resources and hosted a distinctive and high-level Beijing Olympicsand Paralympics, thus fulfilling the century-old dream of the Chinese nation, and Chinese athletes competed hard and brave and scored excellent achievements in the Games. This greatly aroused the patriotism of all our people and strengthened the cohesiveness of our nation.     We continued to strengthen democracy and the legal system. The system of local-level democracy was further improved. Significant progress was made in enhancing law-based government. Last year, the State Council submitted eight bills, including a draft of the Social Insurance Law and draft amendments to the Law on Protecting Against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters, to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation. It also formulated or revised 30 administrative laws and regulations. The Regulations on Making Government Information Public was fully implemented. The public security system for crime prevention and control was strengthened. We battled against secessionist and terrorist activities, protected China's national security and maintained social stability. Our work related to ethnic minority, religious and overseas Chinese affairs further improved.     3. Vigorously advancing reform and opening up and injecting fresh vitality and impetus into economic and social development     Institutional restructuring of the State Council was basically completed and that of local governments is progressing steadily. Comprehensive rural reforms continued to deepen, and reform of collective forest rights was instituted throughout the country. SOE reform was deepened. The transformation of the Agricultural Bank of China and China Development Bank into joint stock companies proceeded smoothly. The new Law on Corporate Income Tax went into effect, and real estate taxes were unified for domestic and overseas-funded enterprises and Chinese and foreign individuals. After years of deliberation, reform in pricing, taxes and fees for refined petroleum products was smoothly introduced. Aplan for reform of the pharmaceutical and health care system was devised and referred to the general public for comments. These innovations in systems and mechanisms have laid a solid foundation for our long-term development.     The country opened wider to the outside world. We vigorously implemented the strategy of competing on quality and diversifying export markets. We increased efforts to establish innovation bases to invigorate trade through science and technology and bases for providing services outsourced from other countries. We supported the export of products with Chinese trademarks and intellectual property rights. We improved the policy system for the processing trade. We steadily opened service industries wider to the outside world and provided more guidance to orient foreign investment in China. We integrated existing funds and set up new ones designed to promote external economic and technological cooperation. We promulgated regulations on managing overseas contracted projects and rectified the system of administration of cooperative overseas labor services. We actively promoted energy and resources cooperation overseas, further expanded our assistances to other countries, and the pace of enterprises going global was accelerated. Further progress was made in the development of free trade zones, and in our economic dialogues with major trading partners and mutually beneficial cooperation with other developing countries.          Fellow Deputies,     A massive earthquake that shocked the world struck Wenchuan on May 12. Under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, people of all ethnic groups in China, especially in the quake zone, worked as one and fought in unison against the earthquake disaster. The people's army rushed to the frontlines without thinking of their own safety. We launched an earthquake rescue and relief operation that accomplished its work faster, mobilized more personnel and committed more resources than ever before in China's history. We steadfastly gave top priority to saving people's lives. We pulled 84,000 survivors out of the rubble. We promptly repaired damaged infrastructure, and resolutely unblocked the Mount Tangjia quake lake to avert potential secondary disasters. We did our utmost to prevent an epidemic from occurring and ensured that there was no major outbreak of diseases after the deadly earthquake. The central government allocated 38.4 billion yuan for quake relief and 74 billion yuan for post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction. We promptly introduced a host of policies and measures to support the quake zone. We energetically organized one-to-one assistance to designated areas affected by the earthquake. People from all sectors of society in China made generous donations, both in cash and in kind; our compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese contributed generously to the disaster relief campaign; and the international community provided us with earthquake rescue and relief assistance. All this combined to forma boundless source of strength for the Chinese people to overcome the disaster. This hard struggle against the earthquake produced uncountable touching and brave exploits and fully demonstrated the great indomitable and unyielding spirit of the Chinese people, thus writing a heroic chapter in the history of the nation.     None of the achievements we made last year came easily. They were the result of overall planning and correct leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as General Secretary, as well as the concerted and strenuous efforts of the whole Party, the entire army and the people of all our ethnic groups. On behalf of the State Council, I hereby express our sincere gratitude to the people of all our ethnic groups and to the democratic parties, mass organizations and people from all sectors of society. I also express our sincere thanks to compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan and to overseas Chinese, as well as to foreign governments, international organizations and friends in other countries that take an interest in and support China's modernization drive.     While acknowledging our achievements, we must be clearly aware that we face unprecedented difficulties and challenges.     First, the global financial crisis continues to spread and get worse. Demand continues to shrink on international markets; the trend toward global deflation is obvious; and trade protectionism is resurging. The external economic environment has become more serious, and uncertainties have increased significantly.     Second, continuous drop in economic growth rate due to the impact of the global financial crisis has become a major problem affecting the overall situation. This has resulted in excess production capacity in some industries, caused some enterprises to experience operating difficulties and exerted severe pressure on employment. Factors leading to decline in government revenues and increase in government expenditures have increased. It has become more difficult to maintain steady agricultural development and keep rural incomes growing.     Third, institutional and structural problems that have long hindered healthy economic development still remain, and some of them are still prominent. Consumption demand is insufficient, and development of tertiary industries is sluggish. Our capacity for independent innovation is weak. Consumption of energy and other resources is high. Environmental pollution is serious. Disparities in development between urban and rural areas and between regions are widening.     Fourth, some problems affecting the vital interests of the people have not been fundamentally alleviated. There are still many problems demanding urgent solution in the areas of social security, education, health care, income distribution and public security.     Fifth, order in the market is not well standardized; market oversight and law enforcement are not fully in place, and the social credit rating system is still in need of improvement. A number of serious and major incidents concerning food and workplace safety have occurred, which have inflicted serious loss of life and property on the people and taught us a sobering lesson.     We need to thoroughly appreciate how serious and complex the international and domestic economic situations are, be more mindful of potential perils and crises, fully exploit favorable conditions and actively respond to all challenges so that we can successfully accomplish all our tasks and prove worthy of the great expectations and trust conferred on us by the people.

JINAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Tuesday urged local governments to support spring ploughing work to promote grain production.     Speaking at a national meeting held by the State Council (Cabinet) in Jinan, capital city of eastern China's Shandong Province, on Monday and Tuesday, Hui called for great efforts to support the harvest of summer grain and oil crops.     He called on local authorities to give priority to spring farm work, maintain steady and relatively fast rural and agricultural development, help farm incomes rise and improve water conservation in rural areas.     He urged authorities to provide agricultural science and technology services to farmers, strengthen pest and animal disease controls, help farmers rise out of poverty and provide more jobs for returning migrants.     China harvested 528.5 billion kilograms of grain last year, up 5.4 percent from 2007, the fifth consecutive increase.